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New English and Maths GCSEs: TUC written evidence for post-19 sector

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The TUC has given written evidence for the consultation on implementing new GCSEs in English and maths into post-16 education. The response from the TUC concentrates on the impact of the changes to post-19 adult learning.

The TUC supports the overall aspiration of raising literacy and numeracy skills levels and developing progression routes for all individuals. However, there are concerns that the new GCSEs with a rigid exam system would not have the flexibility needed for workplace learners. Functional skills qualifications also seem to be under a threat of being devalued in the process. Unions have been successful in engaging adults to functional skills learning because of their fit into workplace context.

The feedback from unions includes that taking on GCSEs can be a part of some workplace learners’ longer term plans while functional skills have taken to the heart of skills they need at work.

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